Make it count, Nailatikau tells Fiji U20s

In blessing the Fiji Under-20 team at Government House today, His Excellency, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau reminded the players to make every second and every tackle count when they take the field for the Junior World Championship in South Africa next month.

“When you play remember everyone here is behind you. When you take the field – every second counts, every tackle counts,” the President of Fiji said in a statement.

Nailatikau who is also the Fiji Rugby Union patron reminded the team of their responsibility as ambassadors of the country.

“You (team) have come here to tell me and the rest of the country that you are ready for the challenge that you will face in the near future,” he said.

“You have come to tell the vanua, the people and government that you are prepared to bring back the smiles on your fellow countrymen and women.

“We are all with you,” Ratu Epeli told the team. “All your elders from the village, our forefathers everyone – I accept this i-tatau on behalf of everyone in Fiji.

“You have our blessings.”

In South Africa, the Fiji U20s will play pool games against the reigning champions New Zealand, Wales, and Samoa.